Lecture 10 - Differences in perception in autism spectrum disorder

Question 1

(reading):

Happé, F., Ronald, A., & Plomin, R. (2006) Time to give up on a single explanation for autism, Nat. Neurosci., 9, 1218-1220.
Hill, E.L. & Frith, U. (2003) Understanding autism: Insights from mind and brain, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B, 358, 281-289. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2002.1209

Answer 1

(reading):

Question 2

(lecture summary):

This lecture explores how autistic behaviours might be the result of fundamental differences in basic perception. Theories of weak central coherence and enhanced perceptual processing are considered in relation to their ability to explain the core behavioural difficulties in autism spectrum disorder.

• Evidence suggests that basic perceptual processing (either in terms of ability or in relation to processing style) is atypical in autism, which influences cognition and behaviour.
• This atypical processing is often a strength (i.e. enhanced ability) rather than a weakness, despite leading to difficulties in everyday life.
• However, no ‘single-deficit’ model can offer a complete explanatory account of autism.
• The ‘multiple-deficit’ account is better able to explain the impairments in autism.

Answer 2

(lecture summary):

Question 3

(lecture study question):

In what way does a child with autism spectrum disorder see the world differently?

Answer 3

(lecture study question):

Question 4

(lecture):

Why are we interested in perception in autism?

Answer 4

(lecture) :
- Perception is the interpretation of sensory input – what we see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
- ToM and EF are ‘higher order’ mental processes.
- Perception is a fundamental building block of more complex cognitive and behavioural processes.

Question 5

(lecture):

What is the enhanced perceptual functioning theory (EPF)?

Answer 5

(lecture):

See slide 5 - 11

Watch lecture back from start.

Question 6

(lecture):

What is weak central coherence theory (WCC)?

Answer 6

(lecture):

See slide 12-21

Watch lecture back from 15 mins in.

Question 7

(lecture):

What is Atypical social orienting?

Answer 7

(lecture):

See slide 23-28

Watch lecture back from 25 mins in.

Question 8

(lecture):

Read slides 29 - 34

Watch lecture back around 35 mins in.

Answer 8

(lecture):